School of Rock Troy, which is owned by Chris Marek, has opened at 4930 Rochester Road, at E. Long Lake Road. Marek owns several other School of Rock locations in metro Detroit.
Marek retired in 2018 after a career in education, most recently as a middle school principal in the Plymouth-Canton School District, and opened his first School of Rock location in Canton Township the following year. The school offers performance-driven approach to music education.
He has played guitar for decades and spent much of his life performing in bands. It was School of Rock’s “SongFirst” approach that convinced him the brand was the right fit.
After years of traditional lessons that had him sight-reading “Hot Cross Buns” before he could touch the songs he actually wanted to play, he finally saw a model built around getting students playing real music from day one.
“Music has been a huge part of my life since I first picked up a guitar at 11 years old, and I’ve always believed that the best way to learn is by playing the music you love,” says Marek.
“After retiring from a career in academic education, I found School of Rock and immediately connected with its SongFirst approach. I’m excited to bring this music education experience to Troy and become part of the local community.”
School of Rock Troy offers music programs for students of all skill levels, with weekly one-on-one instruction on guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, or vocals, and group rehearsals that culminate in live performances at real venues.
“Across metro Detroit, Chris has built a community rooted in the same belief that kids learn best by performing,” says Stacey Ryan, president of School of Rock. “His path from educator to owner gives him a firsthand understanding of what students need to grow, and Troy is lucky to have him bringing that experience to their community.”
School of Rock’s patented performance-based model builds musical skills while fostering life skills like creativity, resilience, and teamwork.
For more information about School of Rock Troy, visit here.
